Governor DeSantis scraps plan for additions at state parks

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The plan to add new amenities to a handful of Florida State Parks is off the table.

The “Great Outdoor Initiative,” a proposal from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, included the addition of outdoor activities and additional lodging at nine state parks. Hillsborough River State Park and Honeymoon Island were part of the plans.

The initiative included pickleball courts, golf courses, paddling and disc golf equipment, which sparked protests around the state.

At Honeymoon Island, one person against the plan said, “Florida has so few and disappearing outdoor wildlife spaces like this. I just find it egregious that they would plan to put unnecessary amenities in these sacred areas.”

Leaders with the DEP said the goal was to boost tourism and reaffirm the state’s commitment to conservation. Those opposed to the plan felt it would do the exact opposite, harm wildlife.

When asked about the plan Thursday, Governor DeSantis said, “This is something that was leaked. It was never approved by me, I never saw that.”

While distancing himself from the proposal, DeSantis said the idea is being scrapped.

“They’re not doing anything this year. They’re going to go back and basically listen to folks,” he explained. “A lot of stuff that was half-baked and it was not ready for prime time and it was intentionally leaked out.”

According to the governor, the earliest the idea could resurface is next year.

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